You know why CM Punk's famous "pipebomb" promo in June of 2011 was so effective? It's because CM Punk did it. There's not a wrestler that could deliver that kind of speech in the same way and come across as somebody that truly meant every word he said. He's a gifted talker that is one of the best ever on the microphone, just like he said. The ability to cut a strong promo can get you very far in the wrestling business. A guy like Roddy Piper isn't remembered for his matches. Sure he had some that were very good over the years, but there were some average ones too. You know why Piper is as big of a legend as he is? Because of his voice. He could make his point on the microphone as well as anybody I've ever seen. A few weeks ago on Raw, Piper was in the ring talking about how Punk was the only guy on his level. In the current wrestling world, he's right. While I would say that a guy like Paul Heyman is also at that level, in terms of the actual wrestlers it's Punk that is at the top of the list. His promos were money because they felt like they really came from him. He could make us believe in what he said. Now? There aren't as many people that can do that. WWE TV will suffer because of it. Teach everybody else all you want, but Punk is gifted on the microphone and now you lose one of the best guys at building up a match using his voice.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
